Eight years ago, I had the privilege of joining the Redlands City Council, and just four years later, the distinct honor of being selected to serve as mayor.

Since then I have made working with my colleagues and listening to the concerns of Redlands’ residents my priority to move our city forward.

It hasn’t always been easy, but by putting our community first, and politics aside, we have come together to make our streets safer, improve our city’s credit rating and business climate and invest in infrastructure to create local jobs.

We worked across the aisle to turn a multi-million dollar deficit into a surplus, all while protecting services for seniors and students.

I am proud of the work I have done in the city of Redlands—the city where my wife and I live and where we are raising our two boys.

My desire to work in public service has always come from a commitment, instilled in me by my parents and grandparents, to give back to the community I was raised in and ensure that it is here, better than before, for future generations.

This past November, the residents of San Bernardino County put their trust in me once again to fight for our community and the values we care about.

This time, however, I won’t just be representing Redlands, but the Inland Empire as the newly elected member of Congress.

I am going to Washington, D.C., to take on a new challenge, but my approach will be the same.

I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and put politics aside to put our country and region on a path forward.

Democrats and Republicans in Washington need to take a lesson from local governments across the country who are working hard on behalf of their constituents and getting things done.

For too long, Congress has been mired in gridlock while the country waits for more middle class jobs, better schools and a commitment to preserve Social Security and Medicare.

With the right priorities and the right attitude, I am confident that we can make Washington work again.

It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as mayor of the city of Redlands and I am grateful to each resident, colleague and friend who has worked with us to make our city better. Because of your hard work and the spirit of our community, I can go to Washington confident that a change in business as usual is possible.

Thank you for your support and I look forward to continuing to serve you and our communities in Washington..

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